Job Description
Job Description
Job Title: Construction Estimator
Job Description
The Construction Estimator develops accurate and timely conceptual and detailed cost estimates for commercial construction projects. This role collaborates closely with preconstruction managers, project managers, and fellow estimators to support budgeting, bidding, and design development. The Construction Estimator evaluates drawings and specifications, performs detailed quantity take-offs, and engages subcontractors to ensure competitive pricing and alignment of scope, schedule, and budget throughout the project lifecycle.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with preconstruction managers, project managers, and other estimators to develop accurate and timely conceptual and detailed construction estimates.
- Perform comprehensive quantity take-offs for all construction systems and summarize data for comparison, evaluation, and decision-making.
- Prepare cost estimates for budgeting and bidding events, ensuring estimates reflect current market conditions and project requirements.
- Solicit, review, and analyze subcontractor and supplier pricing for budgeting and competitive bids.
- Work with the project team to maintain alignment between project scope, schedule, and budget as the design evolves.
- Scope, evaluate, and recommend subcontractors based on best value, qualifications, and specific project needs.
- Create, update, and monitor project estimates as project scope is refined and design information becomes more detailed.
- Actively participate in subcontractor outreach and engagement to build and maintain strong relationships with new and existing trade partners.
- Interpret and review blueprints, drawings, and specifications to ensure accurate and complete estimates.
- Use estimating software and related tools to prepare, document, and present estimates in a clear and organized format.
- Communicate proactively with internal teams and external partners to clarify assumptions, address questions, and resolve estimating issues.
- Support preconstruction and project teams with cost comparisons, value analysis, and recommendations to optimize project value and constructability.
Essential Skills
- Demonstrated experience in construction estimating for commercial construction projects.
- Strong knowledge of construction means and methods, building types, and procurement methods.
- Understanding of design management processes and the ability to anticipate and communicate the impact of design changes on project budgets.
- Proficiency with CSI and Uniformat II work breakdown structures and their application in estimating.
- Ability to perform thoughtful and accurate quantity take-offs for all major construction systems.
- Experience preparing cost estimates for preconstruction, budgeting, and competitive bidding.
- Proficiency with DESTINI Estimator.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel for organizing, analyzing, and presenting cost data.
- Working knowledge of OST (On-Screen Takeoff) or similar takeoff tools.
- Experience using JOIN for preconstruction collaboration and decision tracking.
- Experience using BuildingConnected for managing bids and subcontractor proposals.
- Proficiency with Bluebeam for reviewing, marking up, and analyzing plans and documents.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and specifications accurately.
- Strong communication skills with a focus on customer needs, expectations, and satisfaction.
- High level of professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct.
- Ability to work collaboratively with preconstruction and project teams in a fast-paced environment.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience in construction management or project management within commercial construction.
- Experince in preconstruction, including budgeting, value analysis, and early-phase cost planning.
- Familiarity with cost estimating best practices and industry benchmarks.
- Experience engaging and managing relationships with subcontractors and trade partners.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.
- Ability to compare multiple design or scope options and provide clear cost evaluations.
- Comfort using multiple estimating and collaboration platforms in a technology-driven environment.
- Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple estimates or bids simultaneously.
Why Work Here?
You will join a collaborative, professional environment where preconstruction and project teams work closely to deliver high-quality projects. The organization values integrity, customer focus, and lon